EP2129154B1

EP2129154B1 - Radio communication base station device and control channel arrangement method

Info

Publication number: EP2129154B1
Application number: EP08720555.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Masaru Fukuoka; Akihiko Nishio; Seigo Nakao; Alexander Golitschek Edler Von Elbwart
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp
Current assignee: Optis Wireless Technology LLC
Priority date: 2007-03-23
Filing date: 2008-03-21
Publication date: 2014-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2028-03-21
Also published as: EP2129154A1; JP4659922B2; WO2008129810A1; EP2693822A1; EP2498516A2; JP5413864B2; CA2680403C; US20160234821A1; JP5079075B2; US7941153B2; CA3108727A1; US20140269568A1; JP2013017205A; KR101827300B1; ES2965360T3; US20210345379A1; EP2498516B1; US20120026969A1; CN102970754A; CA3108485A1

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a radio communication base station apparatus and control channel mapping method.

Background Art

In mobile communication, ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest) is applied to uplink data transmitted from a radio communication mobile station apparatus (hereinafter simply "mobile station") to a radio communication base station apparatus (hereinafter simply "base station") in uplink, and a response signal showing uplink data error detection result is fed back to the mobile station in downlink. The base station performs a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) for the uplink data, and, if CRC=OK (no error), an ACK (Acknowledgment) signal is fed back, and, if CRC=NG (error), a NACK (Negative Acknowledgment) signal is fed back as a response signal to the mobile station.
To use downlink communication resources efficiently, studies are conducted recently about ARQ, which associates uplink resource blocks (RBs) for transmitting uplink data and downlink control channels for transmitting response signals in downlink (e.g. see Non-patent Document 1). By this means, a mobile station is able to identify control channels in which a response signal is transmitted to the mobile station according to RB allocation information reported from the base station even when allocation information about the control channel is not reported separately.
Further, studies are conduct for ARQ recently whereby a response signal is spread and the spread response signal is duplicated in order to average interference of the response signal from neighboring cells or sectors and provide frequency diversity gain for the response signal (e.g. see Non-patent Document 2).

Non-patent Document 1: 3GPP RAN WG1 Meeting document, R1-070932, "Assignment of Downlink ACK/NACK Channel," Panasonic, February 2007
Non-patent Document 2: 3GPP RAN WG1 Meeting document, R1-070734, "ACK/NACK Channel Transmission in E-UTRA Downlink," TI, February 2007

LG ELECTRONICS: "Downlink control signaling", 3GPP DRAFT; R1-063177 - DL CONTROL SIGNALING, 3RD GENERATION PARTNERSHIP PROJECT (3GPP), MOBILE COMPETENCE CENTRE ; 650, ROUTE DES LUCIOLES ; F-06921 SOPHIA-ANTIPOLIS CEDEX ; FRANCE, vol. RAN WG1, no. Riga, Latvia; 20061101, 1 November 2006 (2006-11-01), XP050103632 relates to multiplexing methods of DL control signaling for E-UTRA. It is proposed that DL ACK/NACK signals corresponding to the UL data transmission should be able to be transmitted independent from other DL transmissions. Moreover, sufficiently large numbers of ACK/NACK signals with a sufficient coverage should be supported within a TTI. For this purpose, it is suggested to reserve time-frequency area for ACK/NACK transmission within a TTI in an FDM manner, while multiple ACK/NACK signals are multiplexed by in a CDM manner within the reserved time-frequency area.
PANASONIC: "Assignment of Downlink ACK/NACK channel", 3GPP DRAFT; R1-070932, 3RD GENERATION PARTNERSHIP PROJECT (3GPP), MOBILE COMPETENCE CENTRE ; 650, ROUTE DES LUCIOLES ; F-06921 SOPHIA-ANTIPOLIS CEDEX ; FRANCE, vol. RAN WG1, no. St. Louis, USA; 20070206, 6 February 2007 (2007-02-06), XP050104942 relates to the assignment of downlink ACK/NACK signaling schemes in response to uplink data. Specifically, an assignment method is proposed according to which downlink ACK/NACKs are linked to the UL RB used for UL data transmission.
WO 2007/018154 A1 relates to a wireless communication apparatus by which reduction of a diversity gain can be suppressed at minimum in the case of employing a repetition technology in multicarrier communication. In the wireless communication apparatus (100), repetition sections (102-1 to 102-n) repeat each data symbol inputted from modulating sections (101-1 to 101-n) to create a plurality of identical data symbols. An allocating section (103) outputs each data symbol to a multiplexing section (105) by allocating the data symbol to a plurality of subcarriers constituting an OFDM symbol. At this time, the allocating section (103) allocates at least one of the repeated identical symbols to a subcarrier different from a subcarrier to which the symbol is allocated in an adjacent sector.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

It is possible to use the above ARQs studied recently by combining them. Now, a specific example to map response signals to downlink control channels will be explained. With the following explanation, a base station receives uplink data transmitted from mobile stations using uplink RB #1 to RB #8 shown in FIG.1, and the base station maps response signals to uplink data (ACK signals and NACK signals) to downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8, mapped in four frequency bands, subcarriers f₁ to f₄, f₉ to f₁₂, f₁₇ to f₂₀ and f₂₅ to f₂₈ shown in FIG.2, and transmits the response signals to the mobile stations. Further, the base station spreads a response signal with spreading code having spreading factor 4, and repeats the spread response signal with repetition factor 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG.2, downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #4 are mapped to identical bands, subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀ in a localized manner, and downlink control channels CH #5 to CH #8 are mapped to identical bands, subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂ and f₂₅ to f₂₈ in a localized manner.
Further, as shown in FIG.3, the uplink RBs shown in FIG.1 and the downlink control channels shown in FIG.2 are associated one by one. Therefore, as shown in FIG.3, a response signal to uplink data transmitted using RB #1 shown in FIG.1 is mapped to downlink control channel CH #1, that is, mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀ shown in FIG.2. Likewise, as shown in FIG.3, a response signal to uplink data transmitted using RB #2 shown in FIG.1 is mapped to downlink control channel CH #2, that is, mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀ shown in FIG.2. The same applies to RB #3 to RB #8.
Further, when a coding block is formed with a plurality of consecutive RBs on the frequency domain and RBs are allocated in one-block units, the base station transmits response signals to mobile stations by mapping response signals to a plurality of
EP1746855A2 relates to a system for transmitting/receiving downlink resource allocation information in a communication system. In the system, a base station generates first information including downlink resource allocation information necessary for supporting a first mode supported by the base station, generates second information including length information of the first information, and transmits the first information and the second information. A mobile station notifies the base station of a second mode supported by the mobile station, receives, after the notification, the first information and the second information from the base station, and skips as much downlink resource allocation information as a length corresponding to the length information without decoding, if the first mode is different from the second mode downlink control channels in association with a plurality of uplink RBs included in one coding block. For example, when one coding block is formed with three consecutive uplink RBs, RB #1 to RB #3, amongst uplink RB #1 to RB #8 shown in FIG.1, the base station maps code-multiplexed spread response signals to downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #3 mapped in a localized manner in identical bands, subcarriers f1 to f4 and f17 to f20 shown in FIG.2.
Although downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 are mapped to sixteen subcarriers, subcarriers f1 to f4, f9 to f12, f17 to f20 and f25 to f28 in this way, with the above example, response signals are mapped only to eight subcarriers, subcarriers f1 to f4 and f17 to f20. That is, with the above example, response signals are only mapped to half of all subcarriers to which downlink control channels are mapped.
In the case where downlink control channels mapped in the limited frequency domain are used in this way, little frequency diversity effect may be obtained depending upon the positions to which downlink control channels are mapped.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a base station and control channel mapping method that can maximize the frequency diversity effect on downlink control channels.
The object is solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are subject to the dependent claims.

Means for Solving the Problem

An exemplary base station useful for understanding the invention adopts a configuration including: an allocation section that allocates a first control channel formed with a plurality of consecutive RBs or a plurality of CCEs to a radio communication mobile station apparatus; and a mapping section that maps control signals for the radio communication mobile station apparatus to a plurality of second control channels mapped in a distributed manner on a frequency domain in association with the plurality of RBs or the plurality of CCEs.

Advantageous Effect of the Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to maximize the frequency diversity effect on downlink control

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG.1 illustrates an uplink RB mapping example;
FIG.2 illustrates a mapping example of downlink control channels;
FIG.3 shows the associations between uplink RBs and downlink control channels;
FIG.4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the base station according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
FIG.5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile station according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
FIG.6 illustrates the downlink control channel mapping according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
FIG.7 illustrates the downlink control channel mapping according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
FIG.8 illustrates the downlink control channel mapping in cell 2, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;
FIG.9 shows the associations between SCCHs and downlink CCEs according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;
FIG.10 illustrates the downlink CCE mapping example according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;
FIG.11 shows the associations between downlink CCEs and downlink control channels according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;
FIG.12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the base station according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;
FIG.13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile station according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;
FIG.14 shows the associations (variations) between SCCHs and downlink CCEs, according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;
FIG.15 illustrates the downlink control channel mapping according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;
FIG.16 illustrates downlink CCEs used in the number of OFDMs for multiplexing according to Embodiment 5 of the present
FIG.17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the base station according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;
FIG.18A illustrates the physical resources (the number of OFDMs for multiplexing: 1), according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;
FIG.18B illustrates the physical resources (the number of OFDMs for multiplexing: 2), according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;
FIG.19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile station according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;
FIG.20 illustrates the downlink control channel mapping according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;
FIG.21 illustrates another downlink control channel mapping (example 1); and
FIG.22 illustrates another downlink control channel mapping (example 2).

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The base station according to the present embodiment of the present invention transmits a response signal using the OFDM scheme. Further, the mobile station according to the present embodiment transmits uplink data by DFTs-FDMA (Discrete Fourier Transform spread Frequency Division Multiple Access). When uplink data is transmitted by DFTs-FDMA, as described above, a coding block is formed with a plurality of consecutive RBs on the frequency axis (in the frequency domain), and the base station allocates RBs to mobile stations in one-block units.

(Embodiment 1)

FIG.4 shows the configuration of base station 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG.5 shows the configuration of mobile station 200 according to the present embodiment.
To avoid complex explanation, FIG.4 shows components that pertain to uplink data reception and downlink transmission of response signals to uplink data, which the present invention closely relates to, and drawings and explanations of components that pertain to downlink data transmission are omitted. Similarly, FIG.5 shows components that pertain to uplink data transmission and downlink reception of response signals to uplink data, which the present invention closely relates to, and drawings and explanations of components that pertain to downlink data reception are omitted.
In base station 100 in FIG.4, RB allocation section 101 allocates uplink RBs to mobile stations by frequency scheduling and generates RB allocation information showing which uplink RBs are allocated to which mobile stations (i.e. allocation information showing RB allocation results), and outputs the generated RB allocation information to encoding section 102 and mapping section 109. Further, RB allocation section 101 allocates RBs using a plurality of consecutive RBs included in one coding block, as one unit. An RB is formed by grouping into a block a number of subcarriers neighboring each other at intervals of coherence bandwidth.
Encoding section 102 encodes the RB allocation information, and outputs the encoded RB allocation information to modulation section 103.
Modulation section 103 modulates the encoded RB allocation information, to generate RB allocation information symbols, and outputs the RB allocation information symbols to S/P section (serial-to-parallel conversion section) 104.
S/P section 104 converts the RB allocation information symbols received as input from modulation section 103 in series into parallel RB allocation information symbols, and outputs the parallel RB allocation information symbols to mapping section 109.
Modulation section 105 modulates a response signal received as input from CRC section 117 and outputs the modulated response signal to spreading section 106.
Spreading section 106 spreads the response signal received as input from modulation section 105 and outputs the spread response signal to repetition section 107.
Repetition section 107 duplicates (repeats) the response signal received as input from spreading section 106 and outputs a plurality of response signals including identical response signals, to S/P section 108.
S/P section 108 converts the response signals received as input from repetition section 107 in series into parallel response signals, and outputs the parallel response signals to mapping section 109.
Mapping section 109 maps the RB allocation information symbols and response signals to a plurality of subcarriers forming an OFDM symbol, and outputs the mapped RB allocation information symbols and response signals to IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) section 110. Here, based on the RB allocation information received as input from RB allocation section 101, mapping section 109 maps the response signals to downlink control channels mapped on the frequency domain in association with uplink RBs. For example, when mapping section 109 receives RB #1 to RB #3 shown in FIG.1 from RB allocation section 101 as RB allocation information for mobile station 200, as shown in FIG.3, mapping section 109 maps response signals to uplink data transmitted from mobile station 200 using RB #1 to RB #3, to downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #3. The mapping processing in mapping section 109 will be described later in detail.
IFFT section 110 performs an IFFT on the RB allocation information symbols and response signals mapped to a plurality of subcarriers, to generate an OFDM symbol, and outputs the generated OFDM symbol to CP (Cyclic Prefix) addition section 111.
CP addition section 111 adds the same signal as the tail part of the OFDM symbol, as a CP, to the head of the OFDM symbol.
Radio transmitting section 112 performs transmitting processing including D/A conversion, amplification and up-conversion, on the OFDM symbol with a CP, and transmits the OFDM symbol with a CP after transmitting processing, from antenna 113, to mobile station 200.
Meanwhile, radio receiving section 114 receives uplink data transmitted from mobile station 200 via antenna 113, and performs receiving processing including down-conversion and A/D conversion for this uplink data.
Demodulation section 115 demodulates the uplink data and outputs the demodulated uplink data to decoding section 116.
Decoding section 116 decodes the demodulated uplink data, and outputs the decoded uplink data to CRC section 117.
CRC section 117 performs error detection for the uplink data after the decoding using CRC, to generate, as a response signal, an ACK signal if CRC=OK (no error) or a NACK signal if CRC=NG (error), and outputs the generated response signal to modulation section 105. Further, if CRC=OK (no error), CRC section 117 outputs the uplink data after decoding as received data.
Meanwhile, in mobile station 200 shown in FIG.5, radio receiving section 202 receives an OFDM symbol transmitted from base station 100 via antenna 201, and performs receiving processing including down-conversion and A/D conversion on this OFDM symbol.
CP removing section 203 removes the CP from the OFDM symbol after receiving processing.
FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) section 204 performs an FFT on the OFDM symbol after CP removal, to acquire RB allocation information symbols and response signals, and outputs them to demultiplexing section 205.
Demultiplexing section 205 demultiplexes the input signals into the RB allocation information symbols and the response signals, and outputs the RB allocation information symbols to P/S section 206 and the response signals to P/S section 210. Here, based on the specified result received as input from mapping specifying section 209, demultiplexing section 205 demultiplexes response signals from the input signal.
P/S section 206 converts a plurality of parallel RB allocation information symbols received as input from demultiplexing section 205 into RB allocation information symbols in series, and outputs the RB allocation information symbols in series to demodulation section 207.
Demodulation section 207 demodulates the RB allocation information symbols, and outputs the demodulated RB allocation information to decoding section 208.
Decoding section 208 decodes the demodulated RB allocation information, and outputs the decoded RB allocation information to transmission control section 214 and mapping specifying section 209.
Based on the RB allocation information received as input from decoding section 208, mapping specifying section 209 specifies downlink control channels to which response signals to uplink data transmitted from the mobile station are mapped. For example, when the RB allocation information for a mobile station is RB #1 to RB #3 shown in FIG.1, as shown in FIG.3, mapping specifying section 209 specifies CH #1 to CH #3 to be downlink control channels for the mobile station to which the response signals are mapped. Then mapping specifying section 209 outputs the specified result to demultiplexing section 205. The specifying processing in mapping specifying section 209 will be described later in detail.
P/S section 210 converts the parallel response signals received as input from demultiplexing section 205 into in series, and outputs the response signals in series to despreading section 211.
Despreading section 211 despreads the responses signals, and outputs the despread response signals to combining section 212.
In the despread response signals, combining section 212 combines the original response signal and the response signals generated by repeating the original response signal, and outputs the response signal after the combining to demodulation section 213.
Demodulation section 213 demodulates the response signal after combining, and outputs the demodulated response signal to retransmission control section 216.
When RB allocation information received as input from decoding section 208 shows that uplink RBs are allocated to the subject mobile station, transmission control section 214 maps the transmission data to the RBs designated in the RB allocation information, and outputs the mapped transmission data to encoding section 215.
Encoding section 215 encodes the transmission data, and outputs the encoded transmission data to retransmission control section 216.
Upon initial transmission, retransmission control section 216 holds the encoded transmission data and outputs it to modulation section 217. Retransmission control section 216 holds the transmission data until retransmission control section 216 receives an ACK signal from demodulation section 213. Further, when a NACK signal is received as input from demodulation section 213, that is, upon retransmission, retransmission control section 216 outputs the transmission data that is held, to modulation section 217.
Modulation section 217 modulates the encoded transmission data, received as input from retransmission control section 216, and outputs the modulated transmission data to radio transmitting section 218.
Radio transmitting section 218 performs transmitting processing including D/A conversion, amplification and up-conversion on the modulated transmission data, and transmits the transmission data after transmitting processing from antenna 201 to base station 100. The data transmitted in this way becomes uplink data.
Next, the mapping processing in mapping section 109 in base station 100 and the specifying processing in mapping specifying section 209 in mobile station 200 will be explained in detail.
With the present embodiment, base station 100 receives uplink data transmitted from mobile station 200 using RB #1 to RB #8 shown in FIG.1, and base station 100 maps response signals to uplink data (ACK signals and NACK signals) to CH #1 to CH #8, mapped in four frequency bands, subcarriers f₁ to f₄, f₉ to f₁₂, f₁₇ to f₂₀ and f₂₅ to f₂₈ shown in FIG.6, and transmits the response signals to mobile station 200. Further, similar to FIG.2, spreading section 106 in base station 100 spreads the response signal with spreading code having spreading factor 4, and repetition section 107 repeats the spread response signal with repetition factor 2. Further, as shown in FIG.3, the uplink RBs shown in FIG.1 and the downlink control channels shown in FIG.6 are associated one by one.
Mapping section 109 maps response signals for mobile station 200 to a plurality of downlink control channels that are associated with a plurality of RBs and that are subject to distributed mapping on the frequency domain. Mapping section 109 holds association information between uplink RBs and downlink control channels in FIG.3, and the downlink control channel mapping information shown in FIG.6, and, based on these, maps the response signals to subcarriers to which downlink control channels are mapped.
To be more specific, when the RB allocation information for mobile station 200 designates RB #1 to RB #3, mapping section 109 maps the response signals to CH #1 associated with RB #1 in FIG.3, that is, maps the response signals to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀ shown in FIG.6. Likewise, mapping section 109 maps the response signals to CH #2 associated with RB #2, that is, maps the response signals to subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂ and subcarriers f₂₅ to f₂₈, and maps the response signals to CH #3 associated with RB #3, that is, maps the response signals to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and subcarriers f₁₇ to f₂₀.
Here, in the downlink control channel mapping shown in FIG.6, downlink control channels (e.g. CH #1 and CH #2) associated with the two consecutive uplink RBs in FIG.1 (e.g. RB #1 and RB #2) are mapped to different frequency bands in a distributed manner. In other words, the downlink control channels mapped in a localized manner in identical bands in FIG.6 correspond to a plurality of nonconsecutive uplink RBs at two-RB intervals in FIG.1. To be more specific, for example, downlink control channels mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ shown in FIG.6 in a localized manner are downlink control channels CH #1, CH #3, CH #5 and CH #7, and the uplink RBs associated with those downlink control channels are nonconsecutive RBs at two-RB intervals, RB #1, RB #3, RB #5 and RB #7, as shown in FIG.3.
Consequently, when base station 100 transmits response signals to uplink data transmitted from mobile station 200, using a plurality of consecutive uplink RBs, it is possible to prevent response signals from being mapped concentrated in identical bands. That is, base station 100 is able to map response signals over a plurality of frequency bands in a distributed manner, to transmit the response signals subject to distributed mapping. For example, as described above, when the RB allocation information for mobile station 200 designates RB #1 to RB #3, mapping section 109 maps the response signals to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀ shown in FIG.6, the response signals to subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂ and f₂₅ to f₂₈, and, the response signals to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f ₁₇ 7 to f₂₀. By this means, the response signals are mapped to all subcarriers f₁ to f₄, f₉ to f₁₂, f₁₇ to f₂₀ and f₂₅ to f₂₈ uniformly in a distributed manner to which downlink control channels are mapped
In this way, mapping section 109 maps response signals to downlink control channels based on the associations between uplink RBs and downlink control channels shown in FIG.3 and the downlink control channel mapping shown in FIG.6, so that radio transmitting section 112 in base station 100 is able to transmit response signals to mobile station 200 using downlink control channels that are associated with uplink RBs and that are mapped in a distributed manner on the frequency domain.
Likewise, mapping specifying section 209 in mobile station 200 (FIG.5) holds the association information between uplink RBs and downlink control channels shown in FIG.3 and the downlink control channel mapping information shown in FIG.6, and specifies the downlink control channels to which response signals for the mobile station are mapped, from the RB allocation information received. To be more specific, when mapping specifying section 209 receives as input RB allocation information showing that RB #1 to RB #3 shown in FIG.1 are allocated to a mobile station from decoding section 208, based on the associations shown in FIG.3, mapping specifying section 209 specifies that the response signals for the mobile station are mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀, to which downlink control channels CH #1 and CH #3 are mapped, and to subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂ and f₂₅ to f₂₈, to which downlink control channel CH #2 is mapped, as shown in FIG.6.
In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is less likely that response signals to uplink data, which are transmitted using a plurality of consecutive uplink RBs, concentrate in identical frequency bands and code-multiplexed, so that it is possible to map response signals in a distributed manner on the frequency domain. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to maximize the frequency diversity effect on downlink control channels.

(Embodiment 2)

By mapping spread blocks generated by spreading response signals to consecutive subcarriers (e.g. subcarriers f₁ to f₄ shown in FIG.6) as in Embodiment 1, intersymbol interference (ISI) that is caused between neighboring subcarriers decreases to an extent ISI can be ignored.
However, if base station 100 controls transmission power on a per downlink control channel basis, it is no longer possible to ignore ISI because transmission power varies between a plurality of downlink control channels mapped in identical frequency bands and ISI from a downlink control channel of greater transmission power to a downlink control channel of smaller transmission power increases. For example, focusing upon downlink control channels CH #1 and CH #3 shown in FIG.6, if the transmission power for downlink control channel CH #1 is greater than transmission power for downlink control channel CH #3, downlink control channels CH #1 and CH #3 are mapped to identical frequency bands, subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀, and therefore ISI from downlink control channel CH# 1 to downlink control channel CH #3 is caused in both frequency bands.
Then, mapping section 109 according to the present embodiment, maps response signals to a plurality of downlink control channels in different mapping patterns in a distributed manner on the frequency domain.
That is, in FIG.6, downlink control channels CH #1 and CH #3 are mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀ in identical mapping patterns. By contrast with this, with the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.7, the mapping pattern of downlink control channel CH #1 and the mapping pattern in downlink control channel CH #3 vary, and, downlink control channel CH #1 is mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀ and downlink control channel CH #3 is mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₉ to f₁₂. That is, with the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.7, downlink control channels CH #1 and CH #3 are mapped to identical subcarriers f₁ to f₄, and meanwhile, downlink control channel CH #1 is mapped to subcarriers f₁₇ to f₂₀ and downlink control channel CH #3 is mapped to subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂. That is, CH #1 and CH #3 are mapped in different mapping patterns in a distributed manner on the frequency domain.
By this means, similar to Embodiment 1, when mapping section 109 maps response signals to uplink data transmitted using RB #1 to RB #3, to downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #3, ISI is not caused in the both frequency bands, subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂ and subcarriers f₁₇ to f₂₀ though ISI is caused in subcarriers f₁ to f₄ between downlink control channel CH #1 of greater transmission power and downlink control channel CH #3 of smaller transmission power.
In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the same advantage as in Embodiment 1, and it is possible to reduce ISI by randomizing ISI caused by transmission power control.
By mapping downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 on a random basis on the frequency domain, it is possible to map downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 in different mapping patterns in a distributed manner on the frequency domain.

(Embodiment 3)

With the present embodiment, response signals are mapped to a plurality of downlink control channels adopting different mapping patterns between neighboring cells.
Here, a case will be explained where a cell neighboring cell 1 is one cell, cell 2. Further, cell 1 and cell 2 are synchronized. Further, when FIG.6 shows a downlink control channel mapping pattern in cell 1, FIG.8 shows a downlink control channel mapping pattern in cell 2. Further, similar to Embodiment 1, the downlink control channels shown in FIG.8 are mapped in a distributed manner on the frequency domain in association with a plurality of consecutive uplink RBs.
The downlink control channels mapped in identical frequency bands vary between the mapping pattern in cell 1 (FIG.6) and the mapping pattern in cell 2 (FIG.8). That is, the identical downlink control channels are mapped to different frequency bands in a distributed manner in cell 1 and cell 2.
To be more specific, in cell 1, as shown in FIG.6, downlink control channels CH #1, CH #3, CH #5 and CH #7 are mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀, and downlink control channels CH #2, CH #4, CH #6 and CH #8 are mapped to subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂ and f₂₅ to f₂₈. By contrast with this, in cell 2, as shown in FIG.8, downlink control channels CH #2, CH #4, CH #6 and CH #8 are mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀, and downlink control channels CH #1, CH #3, CH #5 and CH #7 are mapped to subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂ and f₂₅ to f₂₈.
In this way, according to the present embodiment, mapping patterns of downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 on the frequency domain are made different between neighboring cells. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the same advantage as in Embodiment 1 in the same cell, and, when response signals are transmitted at the same time in neighboring cells, it is possible to reduce inter-cell interference by randomizing inter-cell interference from neighboring cells between downlink control channels.
Although a case has been explained above with the present embodiment where the present invention is implemented between neighboring cells, the present invention may also be implemented between neighboring sectors in the same cell. That is, in the above explanation, by regarding cell 1 as sector 1 and cell 2 as sector 2, the present invention may also be implemented between neighboring sectors. Further, it is not necessary to take into consideration of the synchronization between neighboring sectors, so that the present invention may be implemented easier between neighboring sectors than between neighboring cells.
Further, although a case has been explained above with an example where the number of cells is two, the present invention may also be implemented where the number of cells is three or more.

(Embodiment 4)

With the present embodiment, a case will be explained where CCEs (Control Channel Elements) and downlink control channels for transmitting response signals in downlink, are associated.
Control information that is required to transmit uplink data from a mobile station to a base station (e.g. the above-described RB allocation information) is transmitted from the base station to the mobile station using a different downlink control channel from the downlink control channel for transmitting response signals (e.g. an SCCH (Shared Control Channel)).
Further, the base station allocates a plurality of SCCHs to mobile stations and transmits SCCH allocation information showing which SCCHs in a plurality of SCCHs are assigned to which mobile stations (i.e. allocation information showing SCCH allocation results), to the mobile stations before transmitting the RB allocation information.
Further, each SCCH is formed with one CCE or a plurality of CCEs. For example, SCCH #1 to SCCH # 6 adopt the configurations shown in FIG.9. That is, SCCH #1 is formed with CCE #1 and CCE #2, SCCH #2 is formed with CCE #3 and CCE #4, SCCH #3 is formed with CCE #5 and CCE #6, SCCH #4 is formed with CCE #7 and CCE #8, SCCH #5 is formed with CCE #1 to CCE #4, and SCCH #6 is formed with CCE #5 to CCE #8. In this way, when one SCCH is formed with a plurality of CCEs, one SCCH is formed with a plurality of consecutive CCEs.
CCE #1 to CCE #8 and physical resources on the frequency axis (in the frequency domain) are associated as shown in FIG.10, for example. That is, one CCE is associated with a plurality of physical resources mapped on the frequency domain in a distributed manner.
Here, to use downlink communication resources efficiently, it is one possibility to associate CCEs and downlink control channels for transmitting response signals in downlink, and identify the control channels in which response signals are transmitted to a mobile station based on SCCH allocation information the base station reports to the mobile station. For example, as shown in FIG.11, the CCEs shown in FIG.9 and the downlink control channels shown in FIG.2 are associated one by one. Therefore, as shown in FIG.11, response signals to uplink data from the mobile station allocated SCCH #1 shown in FIG.9 are mapped to downlink control channels CH #1 and CH #2, that is, mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀ shown in FIG.2. Likewise, as shown in FIG.11, response signals to uplink data from the mobile station allocated SCCH #2 shown in FIG.9 are mapped to downlink control channels CH #3 and CH #4, that is, to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀ shown in FIG.2. The same applies to SCCH #3 to SCCH #6.
Although downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 are mapped to sixteen subcarriers, subcarriers f₁ to f₄, f₉ to f₁₂, f₁₇ to f₂₀ and f₂₅ to f₂₈ in this way, with the above example, response signals are mapped only to eight subcarriers, subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀. That is, with the above example, response signals are only mapped to half of all subcarriers to which downlink control channels are mapped.
Therefore, even when CCE #1 to CCE #8 in downlink with downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 are associated one by one as shown in FIG.11, similar to the case where uplink RB #1 to RB #8 and downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 are associated one by one as shown in FIG.3, little frequency diversity effect may be obtained depending upon the positions to which downlink control channels are mapped.
Then, with the present embodiment, when downlink CCE #1 to CCE #8 and downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 are associated, the mapping of downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 is shown in FIG.6 (Embodiment 1).
FIG.12 shows the configuration of base station 300 according to the present embodiment, and FIG.13 shows the configuration of mobile station 400 according to the present embodiment. In FIG.12, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components in FIG.4 (Embodiment 1), and description thereof will be omitted. Further, in FIG.13, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components in FIG.5 (Embodiment 1), and description thereof will be omitted.
In base station 300 shown in FIG.12, SCCH allocation section 301 allocates SCCH #1 to SCCH # 6 to mobile stations, generates SCCH allocation information, and outputs the SCCH allocation information to encoding section 302 and mapping section 305.
Encoding section 302 encodes the SCCH allocation information, and outputs the encoded SCCH allocation information to modulation section 303.
Modulation section 303 modulates the encoded SCCH allocation information, to generate SCCH allocation information symbols, and outputs the SCCH allocation information symbols to S/P section 304.
S/P section 304 converts the SCCH allocation information symbols received as input from modulation section 303 in series into parallel SCCH allocation information symbols, and outputs the parallel SCCH allocation information symbols to mapping section 305.
Mapping section 305 maps the SCCH allocation information symbols, the RB allocation information symbols and response signals to a plurality of subcarriers forming an OFDM symbol, and outputs the mapped SCCH allocation information symbols, RB allocation information symbols and response signals to IFFT section 306.
Here, based on the SCCH allocation information received as input from SCCH allocation section 301, mapping section 305 maps the response signals to downlink control channels mapped on the frequency domain in association with CCEs. For example, when mapping section 305 receives SCCH #1 shown in FIG.9 from SCCH allocation section 301 as the SCCH allocation information for mobile station 400, as shown in FIG.9, SCCH #1 is formed with CCE #1 and CCE #2 as shown in FIG.11. For this reason, mapping section 305 maps the response signals to uplink data transmitted from mobile station 400 to downlink control channels CH #1 and CH #2 associated with CCE #1 and CCE #2. This mapping processing will be described later in detail.
Further, based on the SCCH allocation information received as input from SCCH allocation section 301, mapping section 305 maps RB allocation information symbols to SCCH #1 to SCCH # 6 mapped on the frequency domain. For example, when mapping section 305 receives SCCH #1 from SCCH allocation section 301 as SCCH allocation information for mobile station 400, mapping section 305 maps the RB allocation information symbols to SCCH #1.
IFFT section 306 performs an IFFT on the SCCH allocation information symbols, RB allocation information symbols and response signals mapped to a plurality of subcarriers, to generate an OFDM symbol, and outputs the generated OFDM symbol to CP addition section 111.
Meanwhile, in mobile station 400 shown in FIG.13, FFT section 401 performs an FFT on the OFDM symbol after CP removal, to acquire SCCH allocation information symbols, RB allocation information symbols and response signals, and outputs them to demultiplexing section 402.
Demultiplexing section 402 demultiplexes the input signals into the SCCH allocation information symbols, the RB allocation information symbols and response signals, and outputs the SCCH allocation information symbols to P/S section 403, the RB allocation information symbols to P/S section 206 and the response signals to P/S section 210. Here, based on the specified result received as input from mapping specifying section 406, demultiplexing section 402 demultiplexes the RB allocation information symbols and the response signals from the input signal.
P/S section 403 converts a plurality of parallel SCCH allocation information symbols received as input from demultiplexing section 402 into SCCH allocation information symbols in series, and outputs the SCCH allocation information symbols in series to demodulation section 404.
Demodulation section 404 demodulates the SCCH allocation information symbols, and outputs the demodulated SCCH allocation information to decoding section 405.
Decoding section 405 decodes the demodulated SCCH allocation information, and outputs the decoded SCCH allocation information to mapping specifying section 406.
Based on the SCCH allocation information received as input from decoding section 405, mapping specifying section 406 specifies downlink control channels to which response signals to uplink data transmitted from the mobile station are mapped. For example, when the SCCH allocation information for the mobile station is SCCH #1 shown in FIG.9, SCCH #1 is formed with CCE #1 and CCE #2 as shown in FIG.9, and therefore, as shown in FIG.11, mapping specifying section 406 specifies CH #1 and CH #2 to be downlink control channels for the mobile station to which the response signals are mapped. Then, mapping specifying section 406 outputs the specified result to demultiplexing section 402. The specifying processing will be described later in detail.
Further, based on the SCCH allocation information received as input from decoding section 405, mapping specifying section 406 specifies the SCCH to which the RB allocation information symbols are mapped for the mobile station. For example, when the SCCH allocation information for a mobile station is SCCH #1, mapping specifying section 406 specifies SCCH #1 to be an SCCH for the mobile station to which the RB allocation information symbols for the mobile station are mapped.
Then, mapping specifying section 406 outputs the specified result to demultiplexing section 402.
Demodulation section 208 decodes the demodulated RB allocation information, and outputs the decoded RB allocation information to transmission control section 214.
Next, the mapping processing in mapping section 305 in base station 300 and the specifying processing in mapping specifying section 406 in mobile station 400 will be explained in detail.
With the present embodiment, mobile station 400 receives the RB allocation information transmitted from base station 300 using SCCH #1 to SCCH # 6 shown in FIG.9. Further, base station 300 maps response signals to uplink data (ACK signals and NACK signals) to downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8, mapped in four frequency bands, subcarriers f1 to f4, f9 to f12, f17 to f20 and f25 to f28 shown in FIG.6, and transmits the response signals to mobile station 400. Further, similar to FIG.2, spreading section 106 in base station 300 spreads the response signal with spreading code having spreading factor 4, and repetition section 107 repeats the spread response signal with repetition factor 2. Further, as shown in FIG.11, the CCEs shown in FIG.9 and the downlink control channels shown in FIG.6 are associated one by one.
Mapping section 305 maps response signals for mobile station 400 to a plurality of downlink control channels that are associated with a plurality of CCEs and that are subject to distributed mapping on the frequency domain. Mapping section 305 holds association information between SCCHs and CCEs shown in FIG.9, association information between CCEs and downlink control channels shown in FIG.11, and the downlink control channel mapping information shown in FIG.6, and, based on these, maps the response signals to subcarriers to which downlink control channels are mapped.
To be more specific, when the SCCH allocation information for mobile station 400 designates SCCH #1, SCCH #1 is formed with CCE #1 and CCE# 2 as shown in FIG.9. For this reason, mapping section 305 maps response signals to CH #1 associated with CCE #1 in FIG.11, that is, maps response signals to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀ shown in FIG.6, and maps response signals to CH #2 associated with CCE #2, that is, maps response signals to subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂ and f₂₅ to f₂₈.
Here, in the downlink control channel mapping shown in FIG.6, downlink control channels (e.g. CH #1 and CH #2) associated with two consecutive downlink CCEs in FIG.9 (e.g. CCE #1 and CCE #2) are mapped to different frequency bands in a distributed manner. In other words, the downlink control channels mapped in a localized manner in identical frequency bands in FIG.6 correspond to a plurality of nonconsecutive downlink CCEs at two-CCE intervals in FIG.9. To be more specific, for example, downlink control channels mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ shown in FIG.6 in a localized manner are downlink control channels CH #1, CH #3, CH #5 and CH #7, and the downlink CCEs associated with those downlink control channels are nonconsecutive CCEs at two-CCE intervals, CCE #1, CCE #3, CCE #5 and CCE #7, as shown in FIG.11.
Consequently, when base station 300 transmits response signals to uplink data transmitted from mobile station 400 to which the RB allocation information is transmitted using an SCCH formed with a plurality of consecutive CCEs, it is possible to prevent response signals from being mapped concentrated in identical frequency bands. That is, base station 300 is able to map response signals over a plurality of frequency bands in a distributed manner, to transmit the response signals subject to distributed mapping. For example, as described above, when the SCCH allocation information for mobile station 400 designates SCCH #1, mapping section 305 maps response signals to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀ shown in FIG.6, and response signals to subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂ and f₂₅ to f₂₈. By this means, response signals are mapped to all subcarriers f₁ to f₄, f₉ to f₁₂, f₁₇ to f₂₀ and f₂₅ to f₂₈, uniformly, to which downlink control channels are mapped, in a distributed manner.
In this way, mapping section 305 maps response signals to downlink control channels based on the associations between SCCHs and CCEs shown in FIG.9, the associations between CCEs and downlink control channels shown in FIG.11, and the downlink control channel mapping shown in FIG.6, so that radio transmitting section 112 in base station 300 is able to transmit response signals to mobile station 400 using downlink control channels that are associated with downlink CCEs and that are mapped in a distributed manner on the frequency domain.
Likewise, mapping specifying section 406 in mobile station 400 (FIG.13) holds the association information between SCCHs and CCEs shown in FIG.9, the association information between CCEs and downlink control channels shown in FIG.11 and the downlink control channel mapping information shown in FIG.6, and specifies the downlink control channels to which response signals for the mobile station are mapped, from the SCCH allocation information received. To be more specific, when mapping specifying section 406 receives as input SCCH allocation information showing that SCCH #1 shown in FIG.9 is allocated to a mobile station from decoding section 405, based on the associations shown in FIGs.9 and 11, mapping specifying section 406 specifies that the response signals for the mobile station are mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and f₁₇ to f₂₀, to which downlink control channel CH #1 is mapped and are mapped, to subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂ and f₂₅ to f₂₈, to which downlink control channel CH #2 is mapped, as shown in FIG.6.
In this way, according to the present embodiment, when one SCCH is formed with a plurality of consecutive downlink CCEs, it is less likely that response signals concentrate in identical frequency bands and are code-multiplexed, so that it is possible to map response signals in a distributed manner on the frequency domain. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, it is possible to maximize the frequency diversity effect on downlink control channels.
Although a case has been explained with the present embodiment where an SCCH is an example of a control channel formed with a plurality of CCEs, control channels to apply to the present invention is not limited to an SCCH. All control channels formed with a plurality of consecutive CCEs are applicable to the present invention.
Further, similar to Embodiment 2, mapping section 305 in the present embodiment may map response signals to a plurality of downlink control channels mapped in distributed manner on the frequency domain in different patterns.
Further, similar to Embodiment 3, mapping section 305 with the present embodiment may map response signals to a plurality of downlink control channels adopting different mapping patterns between neighboring cells or sectors.
Further, although a case has been explained with the present embodiment where SCCH allocation information is transmitted before RB allocation information is transmitted in an SCCH, it is not necessary to transmit SCCH allocation information before transmitting RB allocation information. For example, the base station includes mobile station IDs that can identify mobile stations in SCCHs and transmits them, and the mobile station decodes all received SCCHs and performs blind detection as to whether or not there is an SCCH for the mobile station, so that it is possible to make it unnecessary to transmit SCCH allocation information before transmitting RB allocation information.
Further, as for the time to switch downlink control channels associated with CCEs to a newly allocated SCCH, fixed time may be set up in advance, or time that changes adaptively may be informed from the base station to the mobile station using, for example, an SCCH.
Further, when SCCH #1 to SCCH #6 adopt the configurations shown in FIG.14, that is, when SCCH #1 is formed with CCE #1 and CCE #3, SCCH #2 is formed with CCE #5 and CCE #7, SCCH #3 is formed with CCE #2 and CCE #4, SCCH #4 is formed with CCE #6 and CCE #8, SCCH #5 is formed with CCE #1, CCE #3, CCE #5 and CCE #7, and SCCH #6 is formed with CCE #2, CCE #4, CCE #6 and CCE #8, downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 may be mapped as shown in FIG.15. The downlink control channels (e.g. CH #1 and CH #3) associated with a plurality of downlink CCEs forming the SCCHs (e.g. CCE #1 and CCE #3 forming SCCH #1) in FIG.14 are mapped in different frequency bands in a distributed manner. Consequently, when base station 300 transmits response signals to uplink data transmitted from mobile station 400, to which RB allocation information is transmitted, using an SCCH formed with a plurality of CCEs, it is possible to prevent response signals from being mapped concentrated in identical frequency bands. That is, as described above, base station 300 is able to transmit response signals by mapping the response signals to a plurality of bands in a distributed manner.

(Embodiment 5)

A case will be explained with the present embodiment where the number of CCEs to use varies on a per subframe basis.
Studies are underway to change the number of OFDM symbols upon which CCEs, which forms a downlink control channel (e.g. SCCH) to report uplink or downlink allocation information, are multiplexed (hereinafter referred to as "the number of OFDMs for multiplexing") on a per subframe basis. At that time, the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is reported from the base station to mobile stations using a PCFICH (Physical Control Format Indicator Channel). There are more physical resources to multiplex CCEs upon increasing the number of OFDMs for multiplexing, and therefore, the number of CCEs to use further increases. For example, when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is one amongst CCE #1 to CCE #16 shown in FIG.16, CCE # 1 to CCE #4 are multiplexed on one OFDM symbol, and, when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is two, CCE #1 to CCE #16 are multiplexed on two OFDM symbols. That is, in the case where one SCCH is formed with one CCE or a plurality of CCEs, any of CCE #1 to CCE #4 are used when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is one and any of CCE #1 to CCE #16 are used when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is two.
At this time, amongst CCE #1 to CCE #16 shown in FIG.16, while CCE #1 to CCE #4 are used when a plurality of numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing (one or two) are different, CCE #5 to CCE #16 are only used when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is two. That is, CCE #1 to CCE #16 are sorted into CCEs to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing, and CCEs not to use. Further, CCEs with downlink control channels for transmitting response signals in downlink are associated, and the number of CCEs to use increases or decreases depending on the number of OFDMs for multiplexing, and accordingly, the number of downlink control channels used to transmit response signals increases or decreases. That is, similar to CCEs, downlink control channels are sorted into downlink control channels to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing, and downlink control channels not to use.
Here, if the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is one, that is, if CCE #1 to CCE #4 shown in FIG.16 are only used, downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #4 are mapped concentrated in identical frequency bands, subcarriers f₁ to f₄ and subcarriers f₁₇ to f₂₀, subject to downlink control channel mapping shown in FIG.2, for example. For this reason, transmission power varies between frequency bands to which downlink control channels are mapped (i.e. between four frequency bands of subcarriers f₁ to f₄, f₉ to f₁₂, f₁₇ to f₂₀ and f₂₅ to f₂₈ in FIG.2). Particularly, if response signals concentrate and are code-multiplexed in frequency bands to which downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #4 are mapped, interfering power against other cells increases. Further, ISI increases in frequency bands in which response signal concentrate and are code-multiplexed.
Then, with the present embodiment, downlink control channels for transmitting response signals in association with CCEs to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing, are mapped in a distributed manner on the frequency domain.
FIG.17 shows the configuration of base station 500 according to the present embodiment, and FIG.19 shows the configuration of mobile station 600 according to the present embodiment. In FIG.17, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components in FIG.12 (Embodiment 4), and description thereof will be omitted. Further, in FIG.19, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components in FIG.13 (Embodiment 4), and description thereof will be omitted.
In base station 500 shown in FIG.17, multiplexed OFDM number determination section 501 determines the number of OFDM symbols upon which CCEs are multiplexed according to the number of SCCHs that are required to report control information on a per subframe basis. To be more specific, multiplexed OFDM number determination section 501 determines increasing the number of OFDMs for multiplexing when the number of SCCHs that are required to report control information is greater. Then, multiplexed OFDM number determination section 501 generates multiplexed OFDM number determination information showing the number of OFDMs for multiplexing determined, and outputs the generated multiplexed OFDM number determination information to encoding section 502 and SCCH allocation section 505.
Encoding section 502 encodes the multiplexed OFDM number determination information, and outputs the encoded multiplexed OFDM number determination information to modulation section 503.
Modulation section 503 modulates the encoded multiplexed OFDM number determination information, to generate multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols, and outputs the multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols to S/P section 504.
S/P section 504 converts the multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols received as input from modulation section 503 in series into parallel multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols, and outputs the parallel information symbols to mapping section 506.
Based on the multiplexed OFDM number determination information received as input from multiplexed OFDM number determination section 501, SCCH allocation section 505 allocates SCCHs to mobile stations. For example, when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing received as input from multiplexed OFDM number determination section 501 is one, SCCH allocation section 505 allocates SCCHs formed with one CCE or a plurality of CCEs amongst CCE #1 to CCE #4 shown in above FIG.16, to mobile stations. Meanwhile, when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing received as input from multiplexed OFDM number determination section 501 is two, SCCH allocation section 505 allocates SCCHs formed with one CCE or a plurality of CCEs amongst CCE #1 to CCE #16 shown in above FIG.16, to mobile stations.
Mapping section 506 maps the multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols, the RB allocation information symbols and response signals to a plurality of subcarriers forming an OFDM symbol, and outputs them to IFFT section 507. Here, mapping section 506 maps response signals to downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #16 including downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #4, which are mapped in a distributed manner on the frequency domain in association with CCE #1 to CCE #4 to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing, amongst CCE #1 to CCE #16 shown in above FIG.16. This mapping processing will be described later in detail.
Further, mapping section 506 maps the multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols to PCFICHs mapped on the frequency domain.
IFFT section 507 performs an IFFT on the multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols, the RB allocation information symbols and response signals mapped to a plurality of subcarriers, to generate an OFDM symbol, and outputs the generated OFDM symbol to CP addition section 111.
Downlink control channels for transmitting response signals (e.g. ACK/NACK channels), PCFICHs and CCEs are multiplexed on physical resources defined in the frequency domain and time domain as shown in FIGs.18A and 18B, for example. When the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is one, as shown in FIG.18A, ACK/NACK channels, PCFICHs and CCE #1 to CCE #4 are multiplexed on one OFDM symbol, and when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is two, as shown in FIG.18B, ACK/NACK channels, PCFICHs and CCE #1 to CCE #16 are multiplexed on two OFDM symbols.
Meanwhile, in mobile station 600 shown in FIG.19, FFT section 601 performs an FFT on the OFDM symbol after CP removal, to acquire the multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols, RB allocation information symbols and response signals, and outputs them to demultiplexing section 602.
Demultiplexing section 602 demultiplexes the input signals into the multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols, the RB allocation information symbols and the response signals, and outputs the multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols to P/S section 603, the RB allocation information symbols to P/S section 206 and the response signals to P/S section 210.
P/S section 603 converts the parallel multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols received as input from demultiplexing section 602 into the multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols in series, and outputs the multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols in series to demodulation section 604.
Demodulation section 604 demodulates the multiplexed OFDM number determination information symbols, and outputs the demodulated multiplexed OFDM number determination information to decoding section 605.
Decoding section 605 decodes the demodulated multiplexed OFDM number determination information, and outputs the decoded multiplexed OFDM number determination information to multiplexed OFDM number extraction section 606.
Multiplexed OFDM number extraction section 606 extracts the number of OFDMs for multiplexing that is multiplexed from the multiplexed OFDM number determination information received as input from decoding section 605.
Based on the number of OFDMs for multiplexing received as input from multiplexed OFDM number extraction section 606, mapping specifying section 607 specifies downlink control channels to which response signals are mapped and CCEs to use for SCCH allocation. Then, mapping specifying section 607 outputs the specified result to demultiplexing section 602. The specifying processing will be described later in detail.
Next, the mapping processing in mapping section 506 in base station 500 and the specifying processing in mapping specifying section 607 in mobile station 600 will be explained in detail.
With the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.16, there are two possible values for the number of OFDMs for multiplexing, one or two. Further, mobile station 600 receives the RB allocation information transmitted from base station 500 using SCCHs formed with one CCE or a plurality of CCEs, amongst CCE #1 to CCE #16 shown in FIG.16. Further, similar to Embodiment 4, spreading section 106 in base station 500 spreads the response signal with spreading code having spreading factor 4, and repetition section 107 repeats the spread response signal with repetition factor 2. However, for ease of explanation, an explanation will be given to only downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #16 mapped to four frequency bands, subcarriers f₁ to f₄, f₉ to f₁₂, f₁₇ to f₂₀ and f₂₅ to f₂₈, to which response signals are mapped, as shown in FIG.20, without taking into consideration of repetition. Further, CCE #1 to CCE #16 shown in FIG.16 and downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #16 shown in FIG.20 are associated one by one.
Mapping section 506 maps the response signals for mobile station 600 to downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #16 including CH #1 to CH #4 that are subject to distributed mapping on the frequency domain and that are associated with CCE #1 to CCE #4 to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing amongst CCE #1 to CCE #16 shown in above FIG.16.
That is, as shown in FIG.20, downlink control channel CH #1 is mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄, downlink control channel CH #2 is mapped to subcarriers f₉ to f₁₂, downlink control channel CH #3 is mapped to subcarriers f₁₇ to f₂₀, and downlink control channel CH #4 is mapped to subcarriers f₂₅ to f₂₈.
Further, as shown in FIG.20, downlink control channels CH #5 to CH #16 other than downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #4 are mapped to four frequency bands, subcarriers f₁ to f₄, f₉ to f₁₂, f₁₇ to f₂₀ and f₂₅ to f₂₈.
Here, in the downlink control channel mapping shown in FIG.20, downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #4, which are associated with CCE #1 to CCE #4 to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing (one or two) in FIG.16, are mapped in a distributed manner in different bands. In other words, the downlink control channels mapped in a localized manner in identical frequency bands in FIG.20 are one channel out of downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #4 associated with CCE #1 to CCE #4 to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing in FIG.16, and three channels out of downlink control channels CH #5 to CH #16 associated with CCE #5 to CCE #16 used only when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is two in FIG.16. To be more specific, for example, downlink control channels mapped to subcarriers f₁ to f₄ shown in FIG.20 in a localized manner are downlink control channels CH #1, CH #5, CH #9 and CH #13. As shown in FIG.16, downlink CCEs in association with these downlink control channels are CCE #1 to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing (one or two), and CCE #5, CCE #9 and CCE #13, which are used only when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is two.
Consequently, when base station 500 transmits response signals to uplink data transmitted from mobile station 600,transmitted RB allocation information using SCCHs formed with CCEs to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing, it is possible to prevent response signals from being mapped concentrated in identical frequency bands. That is, base station 500 is able to map response signals over a plurality of frequency bands in a distributed manner, to transmit the response signals subject to distributed mapping even when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is one. That is, the number of response signals to code multiplex is the same between frequency bands.
By this means, transmission power in frequency bands to which downlink control channels for transmitting response signals are mapped changes little, and therefore, the effect of averaging transmission power improves. That is, it is possible to suppress an increase in part of transmission power in frequency bands to which downlink control channels are mapped, in a concentrated manner, so that it is possible to reduce inter-cell interference between neighboring cells. Further, it is possible to prevent response signals from being mapped concentrated in identical frequency bands because response signals are mapped in a distributed manner on the frequency domain, so that it is also possible to reduce ISI between downlink control channels mapped in identical frequency bands.
In this way, based on the information about the number of OFDMs for multiplexing shown in FIG.16 and the downlink control channel mapping shown in FIG.20, mapping section 506 maps response signals to downlink control channels. By this means, radio transmitting section 112 in base station 500 is able to transmit response signals to mobile station 600 using downlink control channels mapped in a distributed manner on the frequency domain in association with downlink CCEs to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing.
Likewise, mapping specifying section 607 in mobile station 600 (FIG.19) holds the information on the number of OFDMs for multiplexing shown in FIG.16 and the downlink control channel mapping information shown in FIG.20, and specifies the downlink control channels to which response signals for the mobile station are mapped, from the multiplexed OFDM number determination information received. For example, when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing received as input from multiplexed OFDM number extraction section 606 is one, mapping specifying section 607 specifies downlink control channels to which response signals for the mobile station are mapped, from downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #4 shown in FIG.20 in association with CCE #1 to CCE #4 shown in FIG.16.
In this way, according to the present embodiment, downlink control channels in association with CCEs to use between different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing are mapped in a distributed manner on the frequency domain. In this way, it is less likely that response signals concentrate in identical frequency bands and code-multiplexed. Therefore, the present embodiment provides the same advantage as in Embodiment 4. Further, according to the present embodiment, even when the number of OFDMs for multiplexing changes on a per subframe basis, transmission power of downlink control channels are averaged between the frequency bands, so that it is possible to reduce inter-cell interference between neighboring cells. Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce ISI between downlink control channels mapped in identical frequency band.
Although a case has been explained with the present embodiment where there are two possible values, one or two, for the number of OFDMs for multiplexing, the present invention may also be implemented where there are three or more possible values for the number of OFDMs for multiplexing.
Further, although a case has been explained with the present embodiment where a plurality of CCEs are sorted into the CCEs to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing, and the CCEs not to use, a plurality of CCEs may be sorted based on how often they are used. For example, if the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is between one and three, a CCE to use where the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is between one and three is "high" frequency of use, a CCE to use where the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is two or three is "medium" frequency of use, and a CCE to use where the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is only three is "low" frequency of use. Then, the base station may map response signals to downlink control channels in a distributed manner on the frequency domain in association with a CCE of "high" frequency of use.
A case has been explained with the present embodiment where the CCE numbers of CCEs (i.e. CCE #1 to CCE #4 shown in FIG.16) to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing are consecutive. However, the CCE numbers of CCEs to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing are not limited to be consecutive. The present invention may also be implemented where the CCE numbers of CCEs to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing are nonconsecutive.
Further, although a case has been explained with the present embodiment where the CCE numbers and the downlink control channels for transmitting response signals are associated, the present invention may also be implemented in a case where downlink control channels formed with a plurality of CCEs, for example, the SCCH numbers of SCCHs, and downlink control channels for transmitting response signals are associated.
Further, although a case has been explained with the present embodiment where response signals are multiplexed on a plurality of downlink control channels mapped in different frequency bands in association with a plurality of CCEs to use between a plurality of different numbers of OFDMs for multiplexing, multiplexing response signals on a plurality of downlink control channels mapped in different bands and multiplexing response signals on different spreading coding blocks are equivalent.
Further, although a case has been explained with the present embodiment where the number of OFDMs for multiplexing is determined according to the number of SCCHs that are required to report control information, with the present invention, where the number of OFDMs for multiplexing may be determined according to other control information without limiting to the number of SCCHs. For example, the number of OFDMs for multiplexing may be determined according to the number of multiplexing of ACK/NACK channels that multiplex response signals.
Embodiments of the present invention have been explained.
The present invention may be applicable to mobile stations located near a cell edge. Generally, channel quality is poorer near a cell edge than in the center of a cell, and a mobile station near a cell edge transmits uplink data using a low level MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme). That is, a mobile station near a cell edge transmits uplink data using a lower coding rate and a modulation scheme of a smaller M-ary modulation number than a mobile station near the center of a cell, and therefore, longer uplink data lengths, that is, more consecutive RBs are required. Then, by applying the present invention to a mobile station near a cell edge, it is possible to obtain greater frequency diversity effect.
Further, although cases have been explained with the above embodiments as an example of completely consecutive RBs, the present invention may also be implemented by RBs with high consecutiveness even when the RBs have partly nonconsecutive portions.
Further, although cases have been explained with the above embodiments where the number of uplink RBs and the number of downlink CCEs are eight, the number of uplink RBs and the number of downlink CCEs are not limited to eight.
Further, although cases have been explained with the above embodiments as an example where eight downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 are mapped to sixteen subcarriers, subcarriers f₁ to f₄, f₉ to f₁₂, f₁₇ to f₂₀ and f₂₅ to f₂₈, the number of subcarriers and the number of downlink control channels are not limited to these numbers. For example, as shown in FIG.21, sixteen downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #16 are mapped to thirty two subcarriers as shown in FIG.21.
Further, although cases have been explained with the above embodiments to show only subcarriers to which downlink control channels are mapped in the figures, other control channels or data channels may be mapped to frequencies besides frequencies to which downlink control channels are mapped.
Further, although cases have been explained with the above embodiments where a response signal is spread, a response signal may be mapped to a downlink control channel mapped to frequencies without spreading a response signal and transmitted. For example, as shown in FIG.22, a response signal may be mapped to downlink control channels CH #1 to CH #8 in a distributed manner on the frequency domain, without spreading a response signal, that is, without code-multiplexing on the same frequencies.
Further, although cases have been explained with the above embodiments as examples where spreading factor SF is 4 in spreading section 106 and repetition factor RF is 2 in repetition section 107, SF and RF are not limited to these values.
Further, although cases have been explained with the above embodiments about the downlink control channel mapping method, the present invention may be applicable to uplink control channels. For example, the mobile station performs the same processing as above base station 100 or 300 and the base station performs the same processing as the mobile station 200 or 400, so that the present invention may be applicable to uplink.
Further, although cases have been explained with the above embodiments where DFTs-FDMA is used as an uplink access scheme, the present invention is not limited to DFTs-FDMA, and, the same advantage as above may be provided in a communication scheme in which a plurality of consecutive RBs are allocated to one mobile station and a communication scheme in which one control channel is formed from a plurality of consecutive CCEs.
Further, although cases have been explained with the above embodiments as an example where the downlink communication scheme is the OFDM scheme, the downlink communication scheme is not limited in the present invention, and the same advantage as above may be provided in a communication scheme of performing transmission using different frequencies.
Further, the downlink control channels for transmitting response signals used in the explanation of the above embodiments are channels for feeding back ACK signals or NACK signals for mobile stations. For this reason, the downlink control channels for transmitting response signals may be referred to as "DCCHs (Dedicated Control Channels)," "ACK/NACK channels," "response channels" and "HICH (Hybrid ARQ Indicator Channel)."
Further, although cases have been explained with the above embodiments about downlink control channels for mapping response signals, signals mapped to downlink control channels are not limited to response signals. For example, control signals for reporting a modulation scheme or coding rate upon retransmission, control signals for reporting transmission power upon retransmission, control signals for reporting a time transmission is performed upon retransmission, or control signals for reporting RB allocations upon retransmission are mapped to downlink control channels.
Further, the RB used in the explanation with the above embodiments may be other transmission units on the frequency domain, for example, a subcarrier block and a sub-band.
A base station, a mobile station and a subcarrier may be referred to as a "Node B," a "UE," and a "tone," respectively. A CP may be referred to as a "guard interval (GI)."
Further, the error detection method is not limited to a CRC check.
Further, the transform method between the frequency domain and the time domain is not limited to the IFFT and FFT.
Moreover, although cases have been described with the embodiments above where the present invention is configured by hardware, the present invention may be implemented by software.
Each function block employed in the description of the aforementioned embodiment may typically be implemented as an LSI constituted by an integrated circuit. These may be individual chips or partially or totally contained on a single chip. "LSI" is adopted here but this may also be referred to as "IC," "system LSI," "super LSI" or "ultra LSI" depending on differing extents of integration.
Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI's, and implementation using dedicated circuitry or general purpose processors is also possible. After LSI manufacture, utilization of an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor where connections and settings of circuit cells within an LSI can be reconfigured is also possible.
Further, if integrated circuit technology comes out to replace LSI's as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology or a derivative other technology, it is naturally also possible to carry out function block integration using this technology. Application of biotechnology is also possible.
The disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-077502, filed on March 23, 2007 , Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-120853, filed on May 1, 2007 , and Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-211104, filed on August 13, 2007 , including the specifications, drawings and abstracts, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Industrial Applicability

The present invention is applicable to, for example, mobile communication systems.

Claims

A mobile station apparatus (200) comprising:
a reception unit (202) adapted to receive, from a base station, allocation information indicating uplink resource blocks, which are consecutive in a frequency domain; and

a mapping specifying unit (209) adapted to specify an ACK/NACK channel, to which a response signal transmitted from the base station in a downlink is mapped, based on the allocation information,

characterized in that:
ACK/NACK channels respectively associated with at least two uplink resource blocks that are consecutive in the frequency domain are respectively mapped in a distributed manner to different groups of frequency bands;

ACK/NACK channels respectively associated with uplink resource blocks that are nonconsecutive in the frequency domain are respectively mapped to a same group of the frequency bands; and

each group of the frequency bands comprises subcarrier groups, which are inconsecutive in a frequency domain and each of which comprises consecutive subcarriers.
The mobile station apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a transmission unit (218) adapted to transmit data using the uplink resource blocks allocated based on the allocation information.
The mobile station apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ACK/NACK channel is a hybrid ARQ indicator channel (HICH).
The mobile station apparatus according to any of claims 1-3, wherein mapping patterns of the ACK/NACK channels in different cells are different.
A method for specifying a ACK/NACK channel in a downlink comprising:
receiving, from a base station, allocation information indicating uplink resource blocks, which are consecutive in a frequency domain; and

specifying an ACK/NACK channel, to which a response signal transmitted from the base station is mapped, based on the allocation information,

characterized in that:
ACK/NACK channels respectively associated with at least two uplink resource blocks that are consecutive in the frequency domain are respectively mapped in a distributed manner to different groups of frequency bands;

ACK/NACK channels respectively associated with uplink resource blocks that are nonconsecutive in the frequency domain are respectively mapped to a same group of the frequency bands; and

each group of the frequency bands comprises subcarrier groups, which are inconsecutive in a frequency domain and each of which comprises consecutive subcarriers.
The method according to claim 5 further comprising transmitting data using the uplink resource blocks allocated based on the allocation information.
The method according to claim5 or 6, the ACK/NACK channel is a hybrid ARQ indicator channel (HICH).
The method according to any of claims 5-7, wherein mapping patterns of the ACK/NACK channels in different cells are different.